Final answer:
The zygomaticus muscle is not a muscle of mastication. Instead, the muscles responsible for the chewing process are the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The zygomaticus muscle is not a muscle of mastication. The muscles involved in mastication, which is the process of chewing, are the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid. These muscles work together to move the lower jaw and allow the teeth to grind and break down food.
The masseter is the main muscle responsible for elevating the mandible to close the mouth and is considered to be one of the most powerful muscles in terms of exerting force, whereas the zygomaticus muscle is associated with facial expressions, particularly smiling, and does not play a role in the mastication process.